I was inspired by Spirit magazine on my flight to Houston this morning. There were several famous people who wrote letters to their 16 year old-selves offering advice if they had it back then… so it got me thinking what would I say to myself and this is what I have come up with.
Dear Aimee,
You are 16 now and if I could offer some future advice about the coming years I hope you would take it. First off just say no to putting “Sun In” your hair. It will not make you go blonde it will make your hair go orange. It will take a while for it to return to its natural brunette stage. Believe me you are beautiful as a brunette. Don’t change a thing unless you get it done professionally. Next, you may not know it but this will be your last year in Lawton as well as your last year with your father. You may think you know where you are going and what you are doing but your dad’s death will change everything for you. I am serious when I say this, spend more time listening to those old war stories because you will slowly lose them. Also go fishing this year with your dad. Don’t put it off because next time will never come. Also its important that you remain faithful to some activities but ease up a bit. focus on 1 or 2 you don’t have to be so busy every night of the week. Also that chemistry class you will take will be your last. you really won’t want to be a chemist so its ok to enjoy the class and look to becoming something else. Lastly, take more time to exercise. Your health is important and if you don’t have to fight it as much in the future I know we would appreciate it.
I can’t believe you won’t know these things but take each day at a time. Praise God, seek him, ignore the stupid boys who will come and go. and Enjoy the ones who aren’t so stupid who recognize the true beauty of who you are. I urge you to keep these in mind. Most of all God comes first no matter what. Praise him in good grades, awards, and the crappy times where you feel utterly alone. His word is more powerful than any quote you may find.
Lovingly yours,
Aimee
